Elizabeth Nerwande is a trailblazer in Zimbabwe’s mining sector, known for her groundbreaking leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusive, responsible mining. Currently serving as Head of Corporate Affairs at Mimosa Mining Company, Nerwande brings a rich background in social work and industrial psychology to the industry—fields that have uniquely shaped her human-centered leadership style.
From leading national institutions like ZimTrade and the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe to becoming the first woman to serve as President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, her journey is one of resilience, purpose, and transformation.
In this exclusive interview, Elizabeth Nerwande reflects on her path, the evolving role of women in mining, and her vision for a more sustainable and inclusive industry.
Can you start by telling us about yourself—who is Elizabeth Nerwande, and how did your personal and professional journey shape the leader you are today?
EN: I am Head of Corporate Affairs at Mimosa Mine. I am a social worker and psychologist by training. I hold an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. Before joining Mimosa, my previous work experience included serving as Executive Director of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Chief Executive Officer of ZimTrade, and Commissioner General for Zimbabwe during the 2015 Aichi World Expo held in Japan.
I had a normal Zimbabwean upbringing, and I was always driven by a desire to do better in life.
You have a strong background in social work and psychology. How did you transition from these fields into the mining industry, and what drew you to it?
EN: My work has always focused on understanding communities and bridging the gap between community expectations and business obligations. Most major mining companies have a dedicated department for this role. So, it was not surprising that in 2009, I found myself consulting for three mining companies on strategic forward-planning issues. I was part of a team that was instrumental in providing innovative solutions and leadership direction in my area of expertise. Based on the work I did for Mimosa, they requested me to join them on a full-time basis in 2011.
What have been some of the defining moments in your career, particularly as you navigated a traditionally male-dominated industry like mining?
My election as President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe is particularly memorable, as I was the first woman to hold that position. I’m glad to say the Chamber was able to embrace people irrespective of their gender. I had known it as an organisation solidly built around its values, traditions, and norms, and one of its most sacrosanct traditions was respect for leadership and competency.
Can you share an experience that helped shape your leadership approach?
I believe leadership is shaped not so much by single incidents but by everyday lived experiences. The challenging situations we face daily require us to rethink our strategies and adapt quickly. In my case, I have learned that instead of making unilateral decisions, it’s more fruitful to engage my team in open discussions, ensuring that every voice is heard. This experience has reinforced the power of inclusive leadership—when people feel valued and empowered, they contribute their best ideas and efforts. This aligns with our organisational philosophy at Mimosa, where we say that if our people have Mimosa in their hearts and minds, they perform better.
My guiding principle has been that opportunity favours the prepared mind.
Big dreams require healthy habits, and healthy habits require self-discipline.
As the first woman to lead the Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe, how did this experience shape your perspective on women’s roles in the mining sector?
My perspective is that, as in any profession, your competence must speak for itself. We must de-emphasise gender and focus on competence and capability. Having said this, I’m glad to note that during my tenure at the Chamber, people saw me not as a woman but as a competent professional leader. I believe women intending to enter the mining sector must aim to achieve this. No company would want to employ a woman just for the sake of it. So, I encourage women to acquire the requisite training and skills if they want to enter the mining sector. It’s encouraging to note that we now have women engineers, geologists, and professionals in other technical fields that were previously male-dominated.
Over the years, you’ve held significant leadership roles in Zimbabwe’s mining industry. How have you seen the sector evolve since you first joined, and what has your role been in influencing these changes?
EN: The mining sector in Zimbabwe has evolved tremendously since I first joined, particularly in governance, sustainability, and inclusivity. In the past, mining was largely viewed through the lens of extraction and economic gain. Today, there is a greater emphasis on responsible mining practices, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The role of technology has also expanded, improving efficiency and safety while creating new opportunities for a more diverse workforce.
One of the most notable shifts has been the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to the industry. When I began my journey, mining was predominantly male-dominated, with limited opportunities for women in leadership and technical roles. Today, we see more women not only entering the industry but also taking up influential positions in operations, policy, and governance.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to driving these positive changes. Whether through policy advocacy or corporate governance initiatives, I have worked to create an environment where diversity and inclusion are seen as strengths rather than challenges. I have also championed ethical leadership and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles to ensure that mining benefits not just companies but also communities and the nation at large.
What were some of the challenges you faced as a woman in mining, and how did you overcome them?
Working in an industry dominated by men comes with its challenges. I realised I needed to make certain adjustments and work on managing the dynamics of gaining entry and acceptance into the “big boys’ club.” The pressure was real, and sometimes the fear of failure was overwhelming. However, I soon realised that we are not meant to compete with our male counterparts but to complement each other.
The workplace does not need more women trying to be men—it just needs more women. Women bring a humane element to work, which is invaluable in ensuring psychosocial well-being and long-term sustainability.
Were there any specific moments where your gender posed unique challenges or perhaps even advantages?
Yes, there were moments when my gender posed challenges, particularly in gaining initial acceptance in leadership circles. However, I also found that being a woman sometimes gave me an advantage—especially in stakeholder engagement, where empathy, collaboration, and strong communication skills were highly valued.
What has been your approach to building relationships with key stakeholders, including communities, governments, and other industry players, in your role as Head of Corporate Affairs at Mimosa Mining Company?
At Mimosa, we have fully embraced the culture of building relationships with all our stakeholders. We strive for success in delivering value to our stakeholders. In this respect, we have a well-structured stakeholder engagement plan, which involves regular meetings to exchange ideas on how to improve our relations. Stakeholder relations are one of Mimosa’s strongest areas, and we will continue to nurture mutually beneficial relationships.
Can you describe the impact of your leadership on the initiatives you have championed within the mining sector, especially those that support women’s participation and advancement?
Through our CSR work, we have positively impacted communities by providing health services to women, educational infrastructure and support for girls, and potable water, which eases the burden of water collection in rural communities. Our horticulture gardens initiative has also helped women provide food for their families.
The mining industry is continually evolving with a focus on sustainability, modernization, and gender inclusivity. How do you see the role of women changing in the current mining setup, and what more can be done to create equal opportunities?
EN: The role of women in mining has significantly evolved over the years. With the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability, modernization, and inclusivity, we are seeing more women taking up technical, operational, and leadership roles that were once male-dominated. The adoption of new technologies, automation, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles has further opened doors for women, as physical barriers are reduced and skill-based opportunities expand.
We need to empower women with the requisite training so that they attain the competency needed by the industry. This may entail the promotion of STEM subjects for girls. Collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and educational institutions is also critical in encouraging more women to pursue careers in mining. By investing in STEM education, scholarships, and outreach programs, we can inspire the next generation of female mining professionals.
Ultimately, gender inclusivity is not just about fairness—it is about industry sustainability. A diverse workforce drives innovation, enhances decision-making, and strengthens business resilience. The mining industry must continue to embrace this transformation to remain competitive and socially responsible.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s previous goal of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023, how do you feel this target has impacted the current mining landscape, and what do you think women, specifically, have contributed to this vision?
EN: I think there was a convergence of minds that the mining industry could chase that target, and I believe that with the sustained growth we are witnessing in mining, it’s only a matter of time before it is achieved. In the last five years or so, the growth has been phenomenal.
As to what women have contributed, let me say it’s not about women—it’s about the industry accepting women as co-participants. The focus must be on understanding that women can also excel in the industry. Let us emphasize competency across the board. We must move away from the notion that simply because we are women, our competence must be questioned or defined by our gender. No, we are humans. Competence must be assessed equally for both genders.
How does Mimosa Mining Company navigate the challenges of balancing profitability with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability commitments?
In 2019, we unveiled our Investing Beyond Mining logo to affirm our commitment to sharing the benefits of our operations with the community. Every year, we allocate a percentage of our revenue to CSR initiatives, which we regard with utmost commitment. Over the years, we have made sustained, impactful investments in the areas of health, education, infrastructure development, water and sanitation, as well as sustainable projects.
With the increasing focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, how do you see the mining sector in Zimbabwe evolving in the next five to ten years, and what role do you believe women will play in this shift?
EN: The mining sector in Zimbabwe is poised for significant transformation over the next five to ten years, largely driven by the increasing focus on ESG principles. Sustainability will no longer be a peripheral concern but a core part of business strategy. Companies will be expected to adopt greener technologies, reduce their carbon footprint, and implement responsible mining practices that minimize environmental impact. Community engagement and ethical governance will also play a critical role in ensuring that mining benefits local populations and aligns with national development goals.
As I have indicated earlier, the main issue is to de-emphasize gender and stress competency. I believe many competent women will take up influential positions in mining in the next few years.
As someone who has broken barriers in the mining industry, what message or advice would you give to young women aspiring to join the sector?
EN: To young women aspiring to join the mining industry, my message is simple: Be bold, be resilient, be competent, and believe in your potential. The mining sector is no longer just a man’s world—it is evolving, and there is growing recognition of the value that women bring to the industry.
Challenges will come, but do not let them define your journey. Equip yourself with knowledge and never stop learning. Technical skills and expertise will open doors, but confidence and perseverance will keep them open.
Lastly, as we celebrate Women’s Month, what does this celebration mean to you personally, and how do you continue to champion women’s empowerment in the industry and beyond?
EN: Women’s Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to advancing gender parity. To me, it is a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of women across all industries, including mining, where we continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities.
Women’s Month is not just about celebration; it is about pushing forward with the work that still needs to be done. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
This interview first appeared in the Mining Zimbabwe Magazine, Edition 77
